Philately is not only the art of collecting but also a science where details matter. One of the key aspects is the condition and quality of postage stamps, which directly affect their value. To accurately and clearly describe a stamp's condition, international philatelic practice employs specific terms and abbreviations. Let's explore what they mean.
Types of Stamp Conditions: Used and Unused
Used: A stamp that has been through the postal system. It bears a postal cancellation mark (postmark).
CTO / Cancelled (Cancelled to Order): A stamp that has been cancelled by the postal service but was not used for mailing. These stamps were typically cancelled specifically for collectors.
Unused: A stamp without any cancellation marks, not used for mailing. It may have gum on the back or not, depending on its storage and the period of issue.
Used stamps are generally less expensive than unused ones. However, sometimes their cancellation holds historical or aesthetic value or they have a low print run. Such stamps can be more valuable than unused ones.
Unused stamps are further categorized based on the gum condition:
MNH (Mint Never Hinged): A stamp in perfect condition, with original gum, without any trace of mounting on an album. This is the most valuable type among unused stamps.
MH (Mint Hinged): A stamp with original gum but with evidence of having been mounted in an album (e.g., a hinge mark).
MLH (Mint Lightly Hinged): Similar to MH, but the mounting traces are minimal—barely noticeable or faint.
OG (Original Gum): An unused stamp with original gum, which may show slight imperfections (yellowing, microscopic stains, etc.).
NG (No Gum): A stamp without gum. This could be due to storage conditions or intentional removal.
Regummed (RG): A stamp that has had fresh gum applied, which decreases its collectibility.
Grading Terms for Stamp Condition
Philatelists also use letter-based abbreviations to describe centering, perforation quality, print clarity, and overall visual appeal:
XF (Extremely Fine): Ideal condition, collectible level.
VF (Very Fine): Excellent condition, collectible level.
F/VF (Fine to Very Fine): A stamp in good condition with minor acceptable flaws.
F (Fine): Average condition, minor defects possible (e.g., poor centering, weak gum).
G/VG (Good / Very Good): Low quality: poor centering, damaged perforations, stains, wear. Typically used only for inexpensive or rare stamps that are valued even in poor condition.
Thinned: Paper thinning, damage to the back of the stamp.
Toned / Foxed: Yellowing, stains from age or moisture.
Short perfs: Shortened perforations, edge damage.
Understanding these terms and condition indicators is crucial for accurately assessing stamps and building a quality collection. Even visually similar specimens can vary significantly in value due to subtle differences in gum condition, centering, perforations, and cancellation marks. If you want your collection to be not only beautiful but also valuable, pay attention to quality and correctly interpret these indicators.
